The Medical Center at Bowling Green

markdown | Name | Title | Area of Expertise | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Connie D. Smith | President and CEO | Executive leadership, strategic development | | Michele Lawless | Executive Vice President and CFO | Financial management, healthcare operations | | Wade Stone | Executive Vice President | Hospital operations, strategic initiatives | | David Gray | Executive Vice President | Organizational leadership | | Marlene Edwards, BSW | Social Worker/Discharge Planner | Social work, patient care coordination | | Muhammad Ahmed, M.D. | CMO/Respiratory Therapy Medical Director | Respiratory therapy, clinical oversight | | Tony Bohn | Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer | Human resources, talent management | | Eric Hagan | Regional Vice President of Operations | Regional healthcare operations | | Brandi West | Vice President, Human Resources | HR management, organizational development | | Beth Schmidt, PharmD | Pharmacy Manager | Pharmaceutical management | | Jeff Webster, RRT | Respiratory Therapy Supervisor | Respiratory therapy supervision | | Leslie Rossetter | Director of Medical Services | Stroke care, medical service management | | William Moss, M.D. | Medical Director of Emergency Department | Emergency medicine, stroke care | | Bill Singletary, RN | Stroke Program Coordinator | Stroke care coordination, clinical programs |

Department	Average Fees & Pricing Structure	Notes on Cost Variations
Cardiology	- EKG: $250 - $500 - Stress Test: $1,000 - $2,500 - Cardiac Catheterization: $10,000 - $15,000	Costs depend on procedure complexity, physician involvement, and additional diagnostic imaging.
Neurology	- EEG: $300 - $600 - MRI Brain Scan: $2,000 - $4,000 - Neurological Consult: $300 - $500	Advanced imaging (MRI/CT) and specialist reviews may add to the cost.
Oncology	- Chemotherapy (per session): $1,000 - $5,000 - Cancer Biopsy: $1,500 - $3,000 - Radiation Therapy: $10,000 - $20,000	Costs vary based on cancer type, stage, and treatment duration.
Orthopedics	- X-ray: $100 - $300 - Joint Replacement Surgery: $15,000 - $30,000 - Physical Therapy (per session): $100 - $250	Procedure complexity and post-surgical care influence pricing.
Outpatient Services	- General Consultation: $150 - $300 - Lab Testing: $50 - $500 - Preventive Services (e.g., vaccines): $50 - $200	Insurance coverage and type of lab tests requested impact final costs.
Financial Assistance & Payment Options: Self-pay patients receive a 40% discount; financial assistance available for incomes below 400% of the federal poverty limit. Flexible 0% interest payment plans are also offered.

| Department/Program | Services Provided | Eligibility and Support | |-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance Program | Covers emergency and other medically necessary healthcare services. | Based on household income and family size; applicants must fully complete the process, apply to public programs if eligible, and verify income/assets. | | Community Clinic | Basic medical services (acute, chronic conditions), prescription assistance, lab assistance, and referrals to specialists. | Patients must meet eligibility criteria (e.g., income below 250% of Federal Poverty Guideline) and reside within specified counties. | | The Medical Center Home Care Program | Skilled nursing, therapy (physical, occupational, speech), cardiac care, disease management, pain medication management, and home safety. | 24/7 services tailored for patients in their homes across five counties. | | Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital | Long-term acute care for medically complex conditions (e.g., respiratory care, nutrition management, rehabilitation). | Serves patients requiring prolonged stays (18-35 days) who need specialized acute care. | | Palliative Care Services | Management of symptoms like pain, fatigue, and nausea and assistance with advanced care planning. | Served by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance; addresses conditions like cancer, Alzheimer´s, COPD, and more. | | Social Support Groups (Cancer Center) | Support groups and counseling for patients undergoing cancer treatment. | Available to all cancer patients and families accessing the Cancer Center services. | | Medical and Social Services (Home Care) | Includes community-based waiver programs, psychological care, and homemaker services for maintaining patient independence. | Open to patients needing long-term care and resources to maintain residence at home. | | Daycare and Pediatric Services (Home Care) | Pediatric care and daycare services as part of home-based programs. | Accessible to all age groups requiring home medical or therapeutic support. |

markdown | Payment Option | Details | |----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Interest-Free Payment Plans | Installment options with 0% interest and no additional fees. Patients can spread payments across agreed months. | | Self-Pay Discount | A 40% discount automatically applied to uninsured or self-pay patients at both hospitals and clinics. | | Quick Pay Discount | A 10% discount for full payment made at the time of service or before the second billing statement. | | Flexible Installments | Customizable payment lengths, typically ranging from 3 to 60 months, depending on the amount owed and patient eligibility. | | Financial Assistance | Patients with household incomes =200% of the federal poverty limit may qualify for a 100% discount. Sliding scale discounts (25%-50%) available for incomes up to 400% of the poverty limit. | | Third-Party Financing | External payment plans, including medical credit cards, with both interest-bearing and zero-interest options. | | Payment Approval Pre-Procedures | 90% of in-house payment plans allow pre-procedure approval to ensure coverage and financial clarity. | | Customized Plans | Individualized payment structures determined case-by-case by hospital representatives. | | Upfront Payment Flexibility | Some plans allow for deferred upfront costs, requiring monthly payments as long as regular amounts are met. | | Online Payment Tools | Online Business Office enables bill viewing, secured payments, and account updates using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or e-check. |

| Department | Service Description | Contact Information | |-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Counseling | Assistance with understanding healthcare finance needs, including applying for government programs (e.g., Medicaid) and advising on financial assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured patients. Financial counselors provide cost estimates for upcoming services and help set up payment arrangements. | Call: 270-796-6886 (Price Estimate) or 270-745-1100 (Billing) | | Price Transparency Services | Price Estimate Tool available online for self-generated cost estimates. Patients can also call or email to receive personalized cost details. Discounts for uninsured patients and out-of-pocket estimates are provided. | Call: 270-796-6886 or Email: Estimates@MCHealth.net | | Financial Assistance Programs | Discounts based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL): 100% discount for =200% FPL, 50% discount for 201%-300% FPL, and 25% discount for 301%-400% FPL. Payment plans with 0% interest are available. | Call: 270-745-1100 or 800-786-1581 | | Uninsured or Self-Pay Discounts | Automatic 20% discount for self-pay patients, with an additional 10% discount for Quick Pay (timely payment). | Call: 270-745-1100 | | Financial Assistance Application | Applications for financial assistance can be completed online, mailed with required documentation, or submitted in person. Assistance is provided in multiple languages including English, Bosnian, Burmese, and Spanish. | Address: 800 Park Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |

Category	Accommodations
Physical Accessibility	- Free parking with courtesy transport services - Accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids - State-of-the-art facilities designed for accessibility - Specialized transport coordination
Assistive Devices	- Availability of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes - Hospital beds, lift chairs, and bedside commodes - Adaptive equipment for mobility and safety - Custom orthotics and prosthetic fitting assistance
Communication Aids	- Augmentative and alternative communication devices - Speech therapy for language and communication improvement - Assistive technology for swallowing therapy - Patient and family education on communication tools
Priority Services	- Personalized rehabilitation programs - Special Alzheimer´s and memory care services - Home care services for various age groups - Tailored support for disabilities or chronic illnesses
Staff Training for Inclusive Care	- Specialized staff trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care - Professionals trained in adaptive equipment and techniques - Comprehensive education for family and caregivers - Continuous learning in inclusive and evidence-based care

Department	Description	Digital Health Service
Telemedicine Services	Virtual consultations with licensed physicians via smartphones, tablets, or computers, offering accessible healthcare from home or on-the-go.	Telemedicine visits for urgent care, chronic disease management, and minor illnesses.
Interactive Patient Education	Advanced TV-based SmarTigr system for on-demand patient education tailored to specific conditions, integrated with the electronic medical record (EMR) for tracking.	Educational video assignments and automated charting.
Remote Monitoring	Continuous heart monitoring with wearable Holter monitors to track and assess cardiac health in patients during daily activities.	Holter Monitoring.
Primary Care and Family Medicine	Comprehensive care for individuals and families, integrating digital platforms for preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness visits.	Telemedicine for routine checkups and specialty referrals.
Distance Learning and Rural Telemedicine	Telehealth services, facilitated through a $1 million grant, to connect rural patients with specialists via advanced two-way audio-visual technology.	Distance telemedicine for underserved rural areas.
Urgent Care	Telemedicine for fast, round-the-clock treatment of minor injuries and illnesses, reducing emergency department pressure during high-demand periods.	Telemedicine for urgent care needs 24/7.
Patient Portal (MyRecord)	Secure online platform for accessing medical records, scheduling appointments, and managing health data, encouraging patient engagement and informed decisions.	Online patient health portal for information management and communication.

Department	Programs Available	Details
Cardiology	Fellowship Program	Involves core rotations in outpatient and inpatient settings under faculty supervision.
Emergency Medicine	Residency Program	Includes critical care, trauma, and medical decision-making experiences through hands-on training.
General Surgery	Residency Program	Offers rotations in various surgical specialties with emphasis on operative and preoperative management.
Internal Medicine	Residency Program	Core and elective rotations focusing on outpatient and inpatient care, patient management, and clinical skills.
Pediatrics	Residency Program	Involves rotations in outpatient clinics and inpatient pediatric care settings.
Transitional Year	Residency Program	Structured with core rotations in multiple disciplines, preparing residents for advanced specialty training.
Psychiatry	Residency Program	Focuses on clinical psychiatric skills through inpatient and outpatient experiences.

Department	Affiliations with Professional Organizations	Professional Development Programs
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	Member of Vermont Oxford Network (VON)	Continuous quality and safety improvement programs
Neuroscience Services	Follows American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines	Training on stroke care and advanced neuroscience practices
Cardiology	Primary Stroke Center Certification by The Joint Commission	Accreditation-linked training on heart attack and stroke signs
Graduate Medical Education	Partnership with University of Kentucky College of Medicine	Residency and fellowship programs accredited by ACGME
Cancer Treatment Center	Accreditation by the American College of Radiology	Workshops on radiation oncology best practices
Career Training	Collaborates with Western Kentucky University	Programs like Patient Care Tech Apprenticeship, Surgical Tech Training

Department	Certification	Accreditation Body
Diagnostic Imaging	Accreditation in Breast MRI, Breast Ultrasound, CT, Mammography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, PET	American College of Radiology (ACR)
Radiation Oncology	Accreditation for Radiation Oncology Practice	American College of Radiology (ACR)
Stroke Care	Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers	The Joint Commission, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Department/Program	Opportunity	Eligibility	Duration	Description
Summer Teen Ambassador Program	Volunteer and Shadowing	High School Students (including graduating seniors)	June 16 - July 25, 2025	High school students can volunteer and shadow healthcare professionals in various departments, including surgical technicians, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Intensive Care Unit.
Graduate Nurse Residency	Residency Training	Recent Nursing Graduates	First Career Months	A program supporting the transition from novice to beginner nurse, including hands-on training, interdepartmental visits, and critical thinking enhancement.
Student Internships	Clinical and Non-Clinical Internships	Students (various levels)	Varies	Internships to gain exposure to different work environments and practical healthcare skills with preceptor guidance.
Volunteer Services	Volunteer Work	Individuals Meeting Requirements	Continuous	Volunteers assist hospital departments while completing specific orientation and health/safety requirements.

Award Name	Awarding Organization	Year
Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award	American Heart Association	2023
Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award	American Heart Association	2024
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll	American Heart Association	2023
Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Award	American Heart Association	2023
Primary Stroke Center Certification	The Joint Commission	Ongoing
Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence	American Association of Critical-Care Nurses	2025
A Hospital Safety Grade (Spring)	The Leapfrog Group	2023
A Hospital Safety Grade (Spring)	The Leapfrog Group	2024
ABC Award of Merit	ABC (Excellence in Construction)	2020
ABC Award of Merit	ABC (Excellence in Construction)	2021

Department	Program Name	Description
General Surgery	General Surgery Residency	A five-year program providing comprehensive training in general surgery with extensive clinical experience, approved for 10 residents in total.
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine Residency	A three-year residency focusing on developing knowledge and skills for hospital medicine, primary care, or subspecialty fellowship, approved for 21 residents.
Obstetrics and Gynecology	Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency	A four-year program training specialists in both medical and surgical care related to women´s health, with 12 resident positions available.
Pharmacy	Pharmacy Residency (PGY1)	A postgraduate year one residency emphasizing clinical pharmacy practice, research, and education, with rotations in various specialties.
Transitional Year	Transitional Year Residency	A one-year program offering core rotations and elective specialties to prepare for advanced training; 12 resident positions are available.

Department	Program	Duration	Positions	Details
Critical Care	Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Fellowship	3 Years	9	Advanced competency in Pulmonology and Critical Care with didactic and patient care
General Surgery	General Surgery Residency	5 Years	10 (2 per year)	Comprehensive surgical training with robust operative experiences
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine Residency	3 Years	21 (7 per year)	Preparation for hospital medicine, primary care, or subspecialty fellowship
Pharmacy	PGY1 Pharmacy Residency	1 Year	Varies	Comprehensive clinical pharmacy training with opportunities for teaching and research
Transitional Year	Transitional Year Residency	1 Year	12	Broad clinical exposure as a preparatory year for specialty training

markdown | Service/Support Option | Description | Eligibility/Details | |---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance Programs | Discounts on medical bills based on household income relative to the federal poverty limit. |

• 100% discount for income = 200% of FPL
• 50% discount for income 201%-300% of FPL
• 25% discount for income 301%-400% of FPL

| | Payment Plans | 0% interest, no-fee payment plans. | Available for all patients in need of financial relief. | | Uninsured/Self-Pay Discounts | Automatic 20% discount on hospital services for uninsured/self-pay patients. | Additional 10% Quick Pay Discount may apply. | | Community Clinic Services | Basic medical and dental care, including acute and chronic conditions. | For uninsured patients at = 250% FPL; proof of income and Medicaid denial required. | | Prescription and Lab Assistance | Support for medications and lab services for eligible patients. | Available through the Community Clinic program. | | Specialist Referral Assistance | Financial support for referrals to specialists. | Provided under the Community Clinic program. | | Emergency & Urgent Care | Hybrid emergency and urgent care center billing patients based on the level of care received. | Minimizes costs for uninsured; opening in Spring 2026. | | Guidance for Alternative Insurance Options | Support navigating Medicaid denial and exploring coverage alternatives. | Assistance with COBRA, Medicaid, and other options. |

Department	Partnered Institutions or Labs	Collaborations	Affiliated Universities or Research Centers
Cardiology	None specific	None specified	None listed
Cancer Research	UK Markey Cancer Center Research Network	Conduct clinical research studies in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Provide patients access to clinical trials and advanced cancer care while staying within their community.	University of Kentucky (UK) Markey Cancer Center
General Medical Education	Graduate Medical Education Program	Collaborations with the University of Kentucky to train medical residents and fellows, providing hands-on clinical experience and didactic education.	University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Medical Student Education	UK College of Medicine Regional Campus	Provide medical students with integration of clinical and basic sciences, early clinical exposure, and access to advanced medical facilities.	University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University
Neuroscience	None specific	None specified	None listed

| Department | Mentorship/Advisory Program Description | Structured Mentorship for Trainees/Recent Graduates | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Administration | Leadership mentoring networks and national mentoring programs available; structured support for career advancement, skill-building, and visibility. | Cohort-based, biannual matching; 6-month structured mentor-mentee relationships, with potential for long-term support. | | Nursing | Formal mentorship for newly hired nurses supports transition to practice, emotional and professional health, and retention; includes mentor training and program coordinator oversight for accountability and ongoing support. | Structured programs typically last 6-12 months post-orientation; designated protected time for meetings; regular check-ins and evaluation; training for both mentors and mentees; focus on skill development and confidence building after clinical skills attained. | | Clinical Education | Committee-based mentoring structure, especially for physician trainees and clinical faculty; hybrid model allows mentee to select committee members based on career goals and individual interests. | Committees (3-6 mentors, 1 chair) support mentee until career milestone (e.g., promotion or completion of training); hybrid of vertical and peer mentoring; regular meetings (1-4 per cycle); satisfaction and retention tracked. | | Graduate Medical Education| Partnerships with universities (e.g., University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Bowling Green Campus) provide structured mentorship and advisory resources for medical students and residents. | Medical students and residents matched with faculty mentors within specialty; regular progress reviews, access to educational resources, career counseling, and academic/clinical skills mentoring as part of formal curriculum. | | Diversity & Inclusion | Programs support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in health careers, with mentorship designed to increase representation and foster inclusive professional development. | Structured mentorship through nonprofit and academic partnerships; application-based entry, individualized mentor matching, and support for professional and academic progression. | | Research & Innovation | Mentoring networks foster collaboration, research support, and leadership development among early-career researchers and clinicians. | Formal and informal opportunities to be paired with experienced mentors in research areas; guidance on research design, grant applications, and academic advancement. | | Allied Health | Peer and group mentoring programs for allied health professionals, focused on professional integration, skill enhancement, and team-based learning. | Group or peer mentoring for new hires and recent graduates within department; regular group meetings, skill workshops, and peer support mechanisms. | | Telehealth/E-Mentoring | Distance and e-mentoring models connect trainees with mentors across locations, useful for those with remote placements or busy clinical schedules. | Remote mentorship offered via digital platforms; flexible scheduling, access to broader mentor pool, ongoing virtual support. | | General Staff Orientation | New employee orientation often includes introduction to mentorship/advisory programs, and initial assignment of a mentor or support group for onboarding support. | Short-term assigned mentor (2-3 months minimum common); focus on acclimatization, workplace expectations, and early career guidance. |